DIY

Marcin from ExpressRooter, the official contractor for Mike Holmes, is here to address some of the common questions that many homeowners ask. 3 Plumbing Jobs to Leave to the Pros A question that home owners often ask is, what plumbing jobs should…

Marcin from ExpressRooter, the official contractor for Mike Holmes, is here to address some of the common questions that many homeowners ask. How to Choose the Best Plumbing Fixtures A question that home owners often ask is, what is the best fixture…

Marcin from ExpressRooter, the official contractor for Mike Holmes, is here to address some of the common questions that many homeowners ask. Must Have Tools for Every Homeowner’s Toolbox A question that homeowners often ask is, what type of tools…

Marcin from ExpressRooter, the official contractor for Mike Holmes, is here to address some of the common questions that many homeowners ask. How to Clear a Clogged Toilet A question that home owners often ask is, my toilet is not…

Plumbing projects can be very simple fixes in some instances. For example, a dripping faucet or a clogged drain pipe are less delicate projects and are ideal for the homeowner to handle on their own. These types of plumbing problems are relatively easy to fix and are within the scope of the abilities of the average homeowner with modest mechanical abilities. However, there are more serious problems that require the skills and expertise of a professional plumber to make proper repairs that will not lead to further complications or damage. Some plumbing projects that require the intervention of a professional include:

Bathtubs experience frequent use, and can become quite worn or dated looking over time. Because they can look like the residence of the creature from the black lagoon even when properly cleaned, they are often a frustration for homeowners, prompting the assessment of DIY remodeling skills. Figuring out how to replace a bathtub is possible, however it is important to ensure you have the plumbing, carpentry, drywall, and tiling expertise necessary prior to taking on this herculean task.

Every homeowner should know plumbing basics so that there’s less mystery when water problems do occur. Gravity and pressure are two of the most fundamental concepts of plumbing, which is comprised of two separate subsystems. The supply system allows fresh water in, while the drainage system forces waste water out. Knowing that water seeks its own level helps demystify plumbing systems. Below are some of the most important plumbing basics for homeowners to know.

1. Main Shut-off Valve

It’s a good idea to know where the main shutoff valve is in case of an emergency. Water coming into your home is under pressure, measured by a meter, which is usually in close proximity with the main shutoff valve. Knowing how to shut off this valve quickly can save your property from a flood caused by a broken pipe.

A clogged shower drain is the bane of every homeowner’s existence. Shower bases that are stubbornly slow to drain can leave you paddling around in a couple of inches of water every time you take a shower. Drains can also become completely blocked, rendering the shower unusable.

There are several techniques that you can use to clear a clogged shower drain. Next time you experience this annoying problem, why not give one of the following a try?

Few things can cause more inconvenience in the bathroom than a leaky toilet. It makes the floor wet, spongy and slippery. If left unattended for a long time, it can permanently damage the floor. People have been known to slip on such a floor and hurt themselves. A leaking toilet is usually the result of nuts, bolts, rubber gaskets and spud washers in the toilet tank, deteriorating over time due to the action of minerals present in water and oxygen present in the air.

Fixing a leaky toilet is not difficult if you don’t mind doing some manual work. It mostly involves fixing loose nuts and bolts or replacing the corroded or worn out components with new ones. The first step is to determine the point where leakage is occurring and then take action accordingly.

There is a time to service and there is a time to repair plumbing fixtures. The only way to know what to do is to have a professional plumber check your problem and advise you on the best course of action. Conventionally, plumbing fixtures refer to exchangeable devices that are connected to an existing plumbing system to deliver and drain away water. Typical plumbing fixtures include bathtubs, bidets, trench drains, sinks, showers, taps, toilets, terminal valves for ice makers, dishwashers and humidifiers. Below is a list of the top five signs it’s time to replace your plumbing fixtures: